Eliana Rubashkyn/Luis Alexander Rubashkyn (New Zealand)

A transgender refugee from Colombia who was knocked back by other countries says she has “found paradise” in New Zealand after being officially recognised as a woman. Eliana Rubashkyn, born Luis Alexander Rubashkyn, claimed she had been imprisoned and ridiculed overseas because her appearance did not match the “male” identity. But the 26-year-old, who did not undergo a sex-change, is thrilled that her New Zealand certificate of identity has her gender stated as “female.” Immigration New Zealand said Ms Rubashkyn was referred for resettlement to New Zealand by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees under the refugee quota programme.